Carla McGrath unveiled as new GetUp chair

Former Press Council member who was removed from her role over a conflict of interest will chair the group.

Carla McGrath has been appointed as chair of activist group GetUp. Picture: Jim O'Rourke/Supplied

A controversial former Press Council member who was removed from her role over a conflict of interest with her leadership position in GetUp has been unveiled as the new chair of the left-wing organisation.

Carla McGrath was dumped from the Press Council in August 2018 over her “incompatible” position of wanting to remain as deputy chair of the activist group GetUp while still judging media complaints.

GetUp National Director Paul Oosting. Picture: AAP

“The Australian Press Council resolved that Ms McGrath’s position at GetUp created an ongoing and irreconcilable conflict of interest with her role on the Press Council,” a 2018 statement on the controversy read.

The decision to axe her came after her appointment to the Press Council in May 2017 was heavily criticised by sections of the media.

The Australian was the first publication to lead a boycott, with newspapers in every state later joining the newspaper.

On Monday, GetUp National Director Paul Oosting heralded Ms McGrath’s election as chair of the organisation as “an exciting and historic moment, marking the first time a First Nations person has led the organisation.”

On her appointment, Ms McGrath said she was honoured to be elected chair of the group.

“It’s a crucial time for First Nations leadership as we collaborate to build a broad, strong progressive movement,” Ms McGrath said.

“There is so much to learn from the cultural practices of thousands of years of First Nations governance in communities, and I’m proud that GetUp is leading in this space.

“On behalf of everyone at GetUp I would like to thank Dr Phil Ireland for his stewardship over the past three years. Phil has delivered governance excellence and fostered a strong culture with positive working relationships that we will continue to build on together,” she said.